As a foreword, I’d like to advise that this article is a bit technical. If you have queries or would like more details, drop a comment and I’ll be happy to provide further explanations.
I’ve recently come across a softphone that works on Linux, iPhone and Android phones: Linphone. It’s open source and free of charge.
I’ve only tried it on Linux Ubuntu so far (if iPhones and Android users want to give it a go, I’m all ears about your feedback) and I definitely enjoyed its “ease of use” and quick setup.
One of its other features that is interesting for tech-minded people is that you can handle calls with command lines. This feature can be turned into something powerful when used in scripts.
If you’re not a Blueface customer yet and are simply looking for information about Linphone, do not hesitate to check out our services. We’re providing residential phone services and business VoIP solutions, as well as other extra services. Maybe you can give Blueface a go along with Linphone.
Here is a quick setup guide for the Ubuntu client :
1. Install the dependencies from Synaptic Package Manager: speex, libosip2, libeXosip2
2. Still from Synaptic Package Manager, install : linphone
3. After installation, you can find the app in your menu : Applications > Internet > Linphone
4. To setup your Blueface account, go to the menu : Linphone > Preferences > ‘Manage SIP Accounts’
5. There you need to add a new “proxy account” :
Your SIP Identity will be : sip:YOUR_BLUEFACE_SIP_USERNAME@sip.blueface.ie
SIP Proxy Address is : sip:sip.blueface.ie
Registration duration : 113
From there you should be able to call out using your Blueface account.
If you want to use the console interface, you need a few more steps:
1. Quit the client if you have it open, to make sure your SIP settings won’t conflict.
2. Open a terminal and run : ‘linphonec’ (notice the ‘c’ at the end)
3. You need to add your SIP details again, for that run the command : ‘proxy add’
4. You’ll be prompted for the same parameters as mentioned above, for the graphical version.
5. Follow the prompts and validate.
You should start seeing successful registrations messages.
To call, run the command : call <number>
For example : call 012222222
Don’t forget to end the call, by running : terminate
One draw back I’ve noticed is that the same configuration file is used by both the GUI and the console and both interfaces tend to erase the configuration of the other, so you can only use one, basically. The config file is in ~.linphonerc.
You can get more information about this tool from this page: linphonec
Do not hesitate to drop a comment if you need help in setting this up. If you are working on an application that makes use of this commands feature, let us know!
